Capability of remote sensing and reanalysis data for water conflict assessment in Helmand River Basin

Iran-Afghanistan Helmand River Basin (HRB) is a significant transboundary water resource challenge. The article critically explores Afghan allegations of reduction in HRB water resources and investigates how remote sensing and reanalysis datasets can act as practical neutral conflict resolution tools. Trend analysis from 2000 to 2020 indicates a slight annual decrease in reference evapotranspiration (ETo), while precipitation, snow cover (SC), and snow water equivalent (SWE) remained relatively stable. In contrast, agricultural area nearly doubled from 111,000 to 216,000 hectares, while agricultural water consumption increased from 1.5 to 3.2 BCM. These findings point to human activities in upstream areas as the primary source of reduced downstream water availability. The study highlights the crucial role played by remote sensing and reanalysis datasets in data-poor areas and suggests the establishment of a bilateral technical cooperation committee. The use of complementary data sources can enhance informed decision-making and lessen conflict. By facilitating collaborative transboundary water management, this Research makes a directly contributes the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5.2, the equitable and sustainable use of water.